THE OKINAWA INVITATIONAL 3 RESULTS
Champions Crowned: A Night of High-Level Grappling in Okinawa 🥇
This past weekend’s tournament was a showcase of elite grappling, community spirit, and international talent. From the first match to the final belt ceremony, the mats were alive with energy and precision. Local athletes stood tall alongside competitors flying in from Thailand, mainland Japan, Korea, and the United States. These grapplers represented high level teams including Bonsai Jiu Jitsu Tokyo, In Fight Japan, 10th Planet San Diego, and Imanari Jiu Jitsu, making this one of Okinawa’s most diverse and competitive grappling tournaments to date.
🔥 Early Highlights: Fights That Set the Tone
Before the championship matches even began, the crowd was treated to some unforgettable performances:
Men’s Fight of the Night: Local grappler Maki Shinzato and Korean technical phenom Wonzik Seo delivered a masterclass in control and creativity. Their highly technical battle ended with Wonzik securing the win, but both athletes earned the crowd’s respect. These grapplers were awarded men’s FOTN bonuses from our sponsor Doors.
Women’s Fight of the Night: Okinawa’s Jazi Vega and Becki Liu went head-to-head in a fast-paced leg lock exchange that had spectators on edge. Jazi emerged victorious, but the match was a highlight for its nonstop action and local pride. These grapplers were awarded women’s FOTN bonuses from our sponsor Women’s Jiu Jitsu Collective.
Fastest Submission of the Night: Carolina Kuwahara stunned the arena with a lightning-fast kneebar that showcased her precision and timing. It was a statement win that foreshadowed her later dominance in the finals. She was awarded a performance of the night bonus from Women’s Jiu Jitsu Collective.
Men’s Championship: Marlon Barbosa Godoy vs. Matt Cox
The men’s final was a clash of high level black belts from very well known academies. Both competitors fought hard through a tough bracket to get to this point. Marlon Barbosa Godoy of Bonsai Jiu Jitsu Tokyo faced off against 10th Planet San Diego’s Matt Cox. After a tense and tactical exchange, Marlon secured the win via shoulder lock, earning the belt and the admiration of the crowd.
Women’s Championship: Carolina Kuwahara vs. Jazi Vega
In the women’s final, both challengers fought previously in the double elimination bracket in a fierce back and forth battle. They then fought through the ranks to meet again for the championship. World Class black belt Carolina Kuwahara of In Fight Japan took her flawless run to the mats once more to face Okinawa’s own purple belt phenom Jazi Vega from Carpe Diem. Their match was a strategic battle, with Carolina ultimately locking in a leg lock to take the first women’s title of The Okinawa Invitational.
Thank you to every athlete, coach, volunteer, and spectator who made this event possible. The level of competition and camaraderie was something special—and we’re just getting started.
Stay tuned for the next announcement. Until then, keep training, keep supporting, and keep showing up for the community.
Jiu Jitsu Champloo
The Okinawa Invitational
